Information processing system, service providing system, and information processing method

ABSTRACT

An information processing system includes a client apparatus and a service providing system. The client apparatus includes first circuitry to transmit, to the service providing system, a package acquisition request for obtaining a package including at least one application program. The service providing system includes second circuitry. The second circuitry receives the package acquisition request, and obtains the package. The second circuitry receives, from the client apparatus, an email address and a tenant setup request, and generates a usage registration screen. The second circuitry transmits an email addressed to the email address, the email including a network, and receives an access to the usage registration screen from an information processing apparatus. The second circuitry sets up a tenant in response to acquisition of package identification information, and registers the at least one application program included in the package identified by the package identification information with the tenant.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent application is a continuation Application of U.S.application Ser. No. 15/921,727, filed Mar. 15, 2018, which is based onand claims priority pursuant to 35 U.S.C. § 119(a) to Japanese PatentApplication No. 2017-054042, filed on Mar. 21, 2017, in the Japan PatentOffice, the entire disclosure of which is hereby incorporated byreference herein.

BACKGROUND Technical Field

The present disclosure relates to an information processing system, aservice providing system, and an information processing method.

Description of the Related Art

Cloud systems are known that provides an information processing serviceto a client device such as a smartphone for example, via a network suchas the Internet. In order to receive a service from such cloud system, auser firstly sets up a service usage environment called a tenant on aserver. Subsequently, the user installs an application program(hereinafter also referred to as an application or an app) to be usedinto the tenant that has been set up, so that the user can use functionsof the application installed to the tenant by using a client device.

SUMMARY

An information processing system includes a client apparatus and aservice providing system communicable with the client apparatus via anetwork. The client apparatus includes first circuitry to transmit, tothe service providing system, a package acquisition request forobtaining a package including at least one application program. Theservice providing system includes second circuitry. The second circuitryreceives, from the client apparatus, the package acquisition request,and obtains the package including the at least one application program.The second circuitry receives, from the client apparatus, an emailaddress and a tenant setup request, and generates a usage registrationscreen in accordance with the tenant setup request. The second circuitrytransmits an email addressed to the received email address, the emailincluding a network address for accessing the usage registration screen,and receives an access to the usage registration screen from aninformation processing apparatus. The second circuitry sets up a tenantin response to acquisition of package identification information foridentifying the package from the information processing apparatus viathe usage registration screen, and registers the at least oneapplication program included in the package identified by the packageidentification information with the tenant.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A more complete appreciation of the embodiments and many of theattendant advantages and features thereof can be readily obtained andunderstood from the following detailed description with reference to theaccompanying drawings, wherein:

FIG. 1 a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an informationprocessing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of theinformation processing system according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure;

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating steps in an operationperformed by the information processing system according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of screensdisplayed on an image forming apparatus according to an embodiment ofthe present disclosure;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a sequence diagram illustrating steps subsequent tothe steps in FIG. 3, in the operation performed by the informationprocessing system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of screensdisplayed on an information processing apparatus according to anembodiment of the present disclosure;

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating steps in an operationperformed by the information processing system according to a firstvariation;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by a tenantsetup system according to the first variation;

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating steps in an operationperformed by the information processing system according to a secondvariation;

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the tenantsetup system according to the second variation;

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating steps in an operationperformed by the information processing system according to a thirdvariation;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the tenantsetup system according to the third variation;

FIGS. 13A and 13B are a sequence diagram illustrating steps in anoperation performed by the information processing system according to afourth variation;

FIGS. 14A and 14B are a sequence diagram illustrating steps in anoperation performed by the information processing system according to afifth variation;

FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of screensdisplayed on the image forming apparatus according to the fifthvariation;

FIGS. 16A and 16B are a sequence diagram illustrating steps in anoperation performed by the information processing system according to asixth variation;

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of screensdisplayed on the image forming apparatus according to the sixthvariation;

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition of screensdisplayed on the information processing apparatus according to the sixthvariation;

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the imageforming apparatus according to the sixth variation;

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardwareconfiguration of one server apparatus constituted as at least a part ofa cloud system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure, and

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardwareconfiguration of the image forming apparatus according to an embodimentof the present disclosure.

The accompanying drawings are intended to depict embodiments of thepresent disclosure and should not be interpreted to limit the scopethereof. The accompanying drawings are not to be considered as drawn toscale unless explicitly noted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In describing embodiments illustrated in the drawings, specificterminology is employed for the sake of clarity. However, the disclosureof this specification is not intended to be limited to the specificterminology so selected and it is to be understood that each specificelement includes all technical equivalents that have a similar function,operate in a similar manner, and achieve a similar result.

As used herein, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” are intended toinclude the multiple forms as well, unless the context clearly indicatesotherwise.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described indetail with reference to drawings. It should be noted that the presentdisclosure is not limited to those embodiments.

FIG. 1 a block diagram illustrating a configuration of an informationprocessing system 10 according to an embodiment. The informationprocessing system 10 includes an image forming apparatus 20, aninformation processing apparatus 30, and a cloud system 40. The imageforming apparatus 20, the information processing apparatus 30, and thecloud system 40 are connected to each other through a network such asthe Internet.

The image forming apparatus 20 is an example of a client apparatus thatreceives service providing from the cloud system 40. The image formingapparatus 20 includes an image forming unit 22, a first communicationunit 24, and a first information processing unit 26.

The image forming unit 22 includes at least one of a scanner and aprinter, etc. The image forming unit 22 scans an image formed on amedium such as a sheet of paper to generate image data or prints animage on a medium based on image data. The first communication unit 24transmits and receives data (information) to and from one or more otherapparatuses via the network.

The first information processing unit 26 executes a browser program onan operating system and accesses the cloud system 40 by the browserprogram. The first information processing unit 26 accepts a user'soperation on the browser program. The first information processing unit26 transmits information to the cloud system 40 according to theoperation accepted from the user on the browser program, and displaysinformation acquired from the cloud system 40. Further, the firstinformation processing unit 26 receives a service provided from thecloud system 40 via the browser program. Furthermore, the firstinformation processing unit 26 controls an image forming functionaccording to an operation accepted from the user on the browser program.

The information processing apparatus 30 is a computer having aprocessor. The information processing apparatus 30 includes a secondcommunication unit 34 and a second information processing unit 36. Thesecond communication unit 34 transmits and receives data (information)to and from one or more other apparatuses via the network. The secondinformation processing unit 36 executes a browser program on anoperating system and accesses the cloud system 40 by the browserprogram. The second information processing unit 36 accepts a user'soperation on the browser program. The second information processing unit36 transmits information to the cloud system 40 according to theoperation accepted from the user on the browser program, and displaysinformation acquired from the cloud system 40.

The cloud system 40 is an example of a service providing system thatprovides an information processing service to apparatuses or devices onthe network. In the present embodiment, the cloud system 40 provides theimage forming apparatus 20 with a cloud service. The cloud system 40 isimplemented by one or more computers (for example, servers). In otherwords, the cloud system 40 may be implemented by a single computer.Alternatively, functions or processes performed by the cloud system 40may be distributed over multiple computers.

The cloud system 40 includes a service providing unit 42, a tenant setupsystem 44, and an application market 46.

In the service providing unit 42, a tenant is set up. The serviceproviding unit 42 executes an application program installed into thetenant that has been set up. Further, the service providing unit 42provides the client apparatus such as the image forming apparatus 20 onthe network with a service implemented by the executed applicationprogram.

The tenant setup system 44 sets up a tenant in the service providingunit 42 in accordance with a request from the client apparatus such asthe image forming apparatus 20 on the network. Further, the tenant setupsystem 44 registers a user who uses the tenant that has been set up andinstalls an application program to the tenant that has been set up, inaccordance with a request from the client device such as the imageforming apparatus 20 on the network.

The application market 46 downloads an application program to beinstalled to the tenant from one or more other servers or the like inaccordance with a request from the client apparatus such as the imageforming apparatus 20 on the network.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration of theinformation processing system 10 according to the embodiment.

The image forming apparatus 20 includes an application control unit 52and a first display unit 54. The application market 46 of the cloudsystem 40 includes an application download unit 56. The tenant setupsystem 44 of the cloud system 40 includes a tenant setup unit 58, atenant management unit 60, a user management unit 62, an applicationinstallation unit 64, and an email transmission unit 66. The informationprocessing apparatus 30 includes an email receiving unit 68 and a seconddisplay unit 70.

The application control unit 52 executes processing for various requestsfor using the application program in accordance with a user's operation.The first display unit 54 displays a screen (screen data) obtained fromthe cloud system 40.

The application download unit 56 downloads an application program to beinstalled into the tenant from one or more other servers or the like inaccordance with a request from the image forming apparatus 20.

The tenant setup unit 58 sets up a tenant in the service providing unit42. The tenant executes the application program to provide the imageforming apparatus 20 with an information processing service. Forexample, the tenant setup unit 58 executes a process of setting up atenant in accordance with a request from the image forming apparatus 20and the information processing apparatus 30. Further, the tenant setupunit 58 executes a process of registering a user in accordance with arequest from the image forming apparatus 20 and the informationprocessing apparatus 30.

The tenant management unit 60 manages the tenant that has been set up.The user management unit 62 manages the registered user.

The application installation unit 64 installs an application programinto the tenant that has been set up, to enable the tenant to providethe image forming apparatus 20 with a service. The email transmissionunit 66 transmits an email.

The email receiving unit 68 receives an email. The second display unit70 displays the email received by the email receiving unit 68 and ascreen (screen data) obtained from the cloud system 40.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating steps in an operationperformed by the information processing system 10 according to theembodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of transition ofscreens displayed on the image forming apparatus 20.

When the information processing system 10 is to newly set up a tenantand install a plurality of application programs into the set-up tenant,the information processing system 10 starts an operation from steps S11of FIG. 3.

First, a user operates the image forming apparatus 20 to request adownload of a package (step S11). For example, the image formingapparatus 20 displays a package/application list screen as illustratedin A of FIG. 4. For example, the user selects a package that the userwants to install into a tenant from the packages displayed on thepackage/application list screen of A in FIG. 4.

A package includes at least one application program. In this example, apackage includes a plurality of application programs. The package isassigned with package identification information. The packageidentification information enables the image forming apparatus 20 andthe cloud system 40 to identify application programs included in thepackage.

Next, in response to the user's operation of requesting a download ofpackage, the application control unit 52 transmits a download request tothe application market 46 (step S12). For example, when the user'sinstruction of selecting a package is accepted on thepackage/application list screen of A in FIG. 4, the image formingapparatus 20 displays a package/application detail screen on which aninstall button is displayed as illustrated in B of FIG. 4. When theinstall button displayed on the package/application detail screen of Bin FIG. 4 is pressed by the user, the application control unit 52transmits the download request to the application market 46.

In response to acquisition of the download request from the imageforming apparatus 20, the application download unit 56 downloads aplurality of application programs included in the requested package fromone or more other servers or the like. When downloading of theapplication programs is completed, the application download unit 56transmits a download completion notification including the packageidentification information to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S13).In response to acquisition of the download completion notification, theapplication control unit 52 notifies the user that the download has beencompleted (step S14). As described above with reference to the steps S11to S14, the image forming apparatus 20 causes the cloud system 40 toobtain a package including at least one application program.

Subsequently, the user operates the image forming apparatus 20 torequest the usage of the package (step S15). When downloading of thepackage is completed, the image forming apparatus 20 displays a homescreen C including an installation shortcut icon as illustrated in FIG.4. The installation shortcut icon accepts an instruction for installingthe downloaded package. For example, the user selects the installationshortcut icon on the home screen C illustrated in FIG. 4.

For example, when the installation shortcut icon is selected on the homescreen C illustrated in FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 20 displaysa login screen D as illustrated in FIG. 4.

Next, in response to the operation of requesting usage of the package,the application control unit 52 transmits a tenant setup requestincluding the package identification information to the tenant setupsystem 44 (step S16). On the login screen D illustrated in FIG. 4, atenant setup request button that accepts an instruction for requesting atenant setup is displayed. For example, when the tenant setup requestbutton is pressed on the login screen D illustrated in FIG. 4, the imageforming apparatus 20 transmits the tenant setup request to the tenantsetup system 44.

In response to acquisition of the tenant setup request from the imageforming apparatus 20, the tenant setup unit 58 transmits a terms of usescreen and an email address input screen to the image forming apparatus20 (step S17). Subsequently, the application control unit 52 controlsthe first display unit 54 to display the acquired terms of use screenand email address input screen (steps S18, S19, S20).

Next, the user performs an operation of agreeing to the terms of usedisplayed on the terms of use screen and an operation of entering anemail address (step S21). In response to accepting the operation ofagreeing to the terms of use and the operation of entering the emailaddress, the first display unit 54 transmits the entered email addressand the package identification information to the tenant setup system 44(step S22).

For example, the image forming apparatus 20 displays the terms of usescreen E as illustrated in FIG. 4 to accept an operation of agreeing tothe terms of use. Further, in response to acceptance of the operation ofagreeing to the terms of use, the image forming apparatus 20 displaysthe email address input screen F as illustrated in FIG. 4. In responseacceptance of an operation of pressing Send button after the emailaddress has been entered on the email address input screen F illustratedin FIG. 4, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits the email addressand the package identification information to the tenant setup system44. As described above with reference to the steps S15 to S22, the imageforming apparatus 20 transmits the tenant setup request including theemail address and the package identification information to the tenantsetup system 44.

Subsequently, the tenant setup unit 58 receives the tenant setup requestfrom the image forming apparatus 20. In response to reception of thetenant setup request, the tenant setup unit 58 generates a usageregistration screen. Then, the tenant setup unit 58 stores the usageregistration screen so as to be accessible from an apparatus on thenetwork, in association with the package identification information.Next, the tenant setup unit 58 provides an email transmission request tothe email transmission unit 66 (step S23). This email transmissionrequest includes the email address entered by the user, and a networkaddress for accessing the generated usage registration screen.Subsequently, the email transmission unit 66 transmits a usageregistration email including the network address for accessing the usageregistration screen to the email address (step S24).

Next, the email transmission unit 66 notifies the tenant setup unit 58that the transmission of the usage registration email is completed (stepS25). Subsequently, the tenant setup unit 58 transmits an emailtransmission completion screen to the image forming apparatus 20 (stepS26). Then, the first display unit 54 displays the email transmissioncompletion screen (step S27). For example, the email transmissioncompletion screen G illustrated in FIG. 4 is displayed by the firstdisplay unit 54.

FIGS. 5A and 5B are a sequence diagram illustrating steps subsequent tothe steps in FIG. 3, in the operation performed by the informationprocessing system 10 according to the embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagramillustrating an example of transition of screens displayed on theinformation processing apparatus 30.

The information processing system 10 executes the processes from thestep S31 of FIG. 5A, subsequent to the processes of FIG. 3.

The user operates the information processing apparatus 30 to check theusage registration email (step S31). In response to the user's operationof checking the usage registration email, the email receiving unit 68receives the usage registration email and controls the second displayunit 70 to display a content of the usage registration email (steps S32,S33, and S34). For example, the information processing apparatus 30displays the usage registration email H as illustrated in FIG. 6. Theusage registration email H illustrated in FIG. 6 includes, in a textsection, a network address (e.g., a uniform resource locater (URL)) foraccessing the usage registration screen generated by the tenant setupsystem 44.

Next, the user starts up the browser program executed by the informationprocessing apparatus 30 to access the network address included in theusage registration email. Then, the user enters the packageidentification information on the screen displayed on the informationprocessing apparatus 30, and performs an operation for transmitting ausage registration request to the tenant setup system 44 (step S35). Inresponse to the operation for transmitting the usage registrationrequest, the second display unit 70 transmits the tenant setup requestincluding the entered package identification information to the tenantsetup system 44 (S36).

In response to acquisition of the tenant setup request including thepackage identification information, the tenant setup unit 58 transmits ausage registration screen to the information processing apparatus 30(step S37). Subsequently, the second display unit 70 displays theacquired usage registration screen (steps S38, S39).

The user enters user information on the usage registration screen (stepS40). Examples of the user information entered by the user include auser identification (ID) and a password. After the user enters the userinformation on the usage registration screen, the information processingapparatus 30 displays a confirmation screen I as illustrated in FIG. 6that enables the user to confirm the application programs to be used. Inresponse to a user's operation of confirming the application programs tobe used, the second display unit 70 transmits the entered userinformation to the tenant setup system 44 (step S41).

When the entered user information is valid, the tenant setup unit 58sets up a tenant (steps S42, S43). Then, the tenant setup unit 58registers a tenant ID, etc., for identifying the set up tenant in thetenant management unit 60. As described above with reference to S35 toS43, in response to accepting an access to the usage registration screenfrom the information processing apparatus 30 and in response toacquisition of the package identification information from theinformation processing apparatus 30 via the usage registration screen,the tenant setup unit 58 sets up a tenant.

Subsequently, based on the entered user information, the tenant setupunit 58 registers a user ID, etc., for identifying a user who uses thetenant in the user management unit 62 (steps S44, S45). As describedheretofore, the tenant setup unit 58 registers the user based on theinformation acquired from the information processing apparatus 30 viathe usage registration screen. This enables the tenant setup unit 58 toprovide an information processing service to the image forming apparatus20 operated by the registered user.

Next, the tenant setup unit 58 gives a package installation instructionthat includes the tenant ID and the package identification informationto the application installation unit 64 (step S46). In response toreception of the package installation instruction, the applicationinstallation unit 64 installs a plurality of application programsincluded in the package identified by the package identificationinformation into the tenant identified by the tenant ID (step S47). Forexample, the application installation unit 64 installs a plurality ofapplication programs included in the package into the tenant that hasbeen set up. This installation of application programs includesinstalling the application program into the image forming apparatus 20belonging to the tenant. The installation of application programsfurther includes displaying a shortcut icon on an operation screen usingthe browser program of the image forming apparatus 20 belonging to thetenant, enabling activation of the application program by clicking theshortcut icon. Upon completion of the installation of the applicationprograms, the application installation unit 64 notifies the tenant setupunit 58 that the installation is completed (step S48).

Subsequently, the tenant setup unit 58 provides an email transmissionrequest including registration information to the email transmissionunit 66 (step S49). The registration information includes the registeredemail addresses, etc. In response to reception of the email transmissionrequest, the email transmission unit 66 transmits a registrationcompletion email indicating that registration of the package iscompleted to the registered email address (step S50). After transmittingthe registration completion email, the email transmission unit 66notifies the tenant setup unit 58 that the registration completion emailis transmitted (step S51).

Next, the tenant setup unit 58 transmits a registration completionscreen indicating that the registration of package is completed to theinformation processing apparatus 30 (step S52). Subsequently, the seconddisplay unit 70 displays the registration completion screen receivedfrom the tenant setup system 44 (steps S53, S54). For, example, theregistration completion screen J illustrated in FIG. 6 is displayed bythe information processing apparatus 30.

Next, the user operates the information processing apparatus 30 to checkthe registration completion email (step S55). In response to the user'soperation of checking the registration completion email, the emailreceiving unit 68 receives the registration completion email andcontrols the second display unit 70 to display a content of theregistration completion email (steps S56, S57, and S58). For example,the information processing apparatus 30 displays the registrationcompletion email K illustrated in FIG. 6. The registration completionemail K illustrated in FIG. 6 includes, in a text section, a URL foraccessing a screen that accepts configuring settings for using theapplication programs.

After the process of the step S58 is completed, the informationprocessing system 10 finishes an operation for setting up a tenant andinstalling a plurality of application programs into the tenant that hasbeen set up.

As described heretofore, in the information processing system 10according to the present embodiment, an operation for causing the tenantsetup system 44 to acquire a package is performed from the image formingapparatus 20. This enables to execute the setup of tenant and theinstallation of application programs included in the packagecollectively. Thus, the information processing system 10 according thepresent embodiment enables to install a plurality of applicationprograms into a tenant in a simple manner.

<Variations>

Hereinafter, a description is given of a plurality of variations of theabove-described embodiment. In the description of the variations, thesame configurations and processes as those described with reference toFIGS. 1 to 6 will be omitted unless necessary.

[Variation 1]

FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating steps in an operationperformed by the information processing system 10 according to a firstvariation. In the first variation, the information processing system 10performs processes in a flow as illustrated in FIG. 7.

The information processing system 10 according to the first variationperforms the same or substantially the same processes as those of thesteps S11 to S22 illustrated in FIG. 3. Subsequent to the step S22, thetenant setup unit 58 checks a registration status of the email address(step S61). In a case in which the tenant setup unit 58 determines theemail address is not registered yet, the information processing system10 performs the same processes as those illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5.

In a case in which the email address is registered, the tenant setupunit 58 provides an email transmission request including informationindicating that the email address is registered, to the emailtransmission unit 66 (step S62).

In response to reception of the email transmission request including theinformation indicating that the email address is registered, the emailtransmission unit 66 transmits a denial-of-registration email in placeof the usage registration email to the email address (steps S63, S64).Subsequently, the tenant setup unit 58 transmits an email transmissioncompletion screen to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S26). Thefirst display unit 54 displays the email transmission completion screen(step S27). After the step S27, this sequence of the operation by theinformation processing system 10 ends.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the tenantsetup system 44 according to the first variation. In the firstvariation, the tenant setup system 44 performs processes illustrated inFIG. 8 in response to reception of an email address entered by a user.

First, in the step S65, the tenant setup unit 58 checks the registrationstatus of the entered email address. Next, in the step S66, the tenantsetup unit 58 determines whether the email address is alreadyregistered. When the email address is not yet registered (S66: NO), thetenant setup unit 58 generates the usage registration email (step S67).When the email address is already registered (S66: YES), the tenantsetup unit 58 generates the denial-of-registration email (step S68).

After the step S67 or S68, the email transmission unit 66 transmits theusage registration email or the denial-of-registration email to theentered email address (step S69).

The information processing system 10 according to the first variation asdescribed is able to prevent the plurality of registrations using thesame email address. Thus, the information processing system 10 accordingto the first variation is able to prevent an erroneous re-registrationafter the expiry of an expiration date.

[Variation 2]

FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating steps in an operationperformed by the information processing system 10 according to a secondvariation. In the second variation, the information processing system 10performs processes in a flow as illustrated in FIG. 9.

The information processing system 10 according to the second variationperforms the same or substantially the same processes as those of thesteps S11 to S36 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5. In this second variation,the tenant setup unit 58 sets an expiration date to the usageregistration screen when generating the usage registration screen inresponse to the tenant setup request from the image forming apparatus20. For example, the tenant setup unit 58 sets the expiration date toone hour from the current time or to twenty-four hours from the currenttime.

Subsequent to the step S36, in response to acquiring the tenant setuprequest, the tenant setup unit 58 checks the expiration date of theusage registration screen (step S71). When the expiration date has notexpired, the tenant setup unit 58 transmits the usage registrationscreen to the information processing apparatus 30, and performs thesubsequent processes. In other words, when the expiration date is notexpired, the information processing system 10 performs the same orsubstantially the same processes as those illustrated in FIGS. 5A and5B.

By contrast, when the expiration date is expired, the tenant setup unit58 transmits, to the information processing apparatus 30, an expirationnotification screen indicating that the expiration date is expired (stepS72). In response to obtaining the expiration notification screen, thesecond display unit 70 displays the acquired expiration notificationscreen (steps S73, S74). The tenant setup unit 58 prohibits access tothe usage registration screen in subsequent processing. After the stepS74, this sequence of the operation by the information processing system10 ends.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the tenantsetup system 44 according to the second variation. In the secondvariation, the tenant setup system 44 performs processes illustrated inFIG. 10 in response to acquisition of the tenant setup request from theinformation processing apparatus 30.

First, the tenant setup unit 58 checks an expiration date of the usageregistration screen (S75). Next, the tenant setup unit 58 determineswhether the expiration date has expired (S76). When the expiration dateis not expired (S76: NO), the tenant setup unit 58 generates the usageregistration screen (S77). When the expiration date has expired (S76:YES), the tenant setup unit 58 generates the expiration notificationscreen (S78).

After the step S77 or S78, the tenant setup unit 58 sends the generatedscreen back to the information processing apparatus 30 (S79).

As described above, the information processing system 10 according tothe second variation sets an expiration date to the usage registrationscreen. This enables the information processing system 10 to restrictaccess to the tenant setup system 44, and thereby improving security.

[Variation 3]

FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram illustrating steps in an operationperformed by the information processing system 10 according to a thirdvariation. In the third variation, the information processing system 10performs processes in a flow as illustrated in FIG. 11.

The information processing system 10 according to the third variationperforms the same or substantially the same processes as those of thesteps S11 to S36 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5.

Subsequent to the step S36, in response to acquiring the tenant setuprequest including the package identification information from theinformation processing apparatus 30, the tenant setup unit 58 determineswhether at least one application program included in the packageidentified by the package identification information is available (stepS81). For example, the tenant setup unit 58 checks whether the providingthe at least one application program is terminated or whether the atleast one application program is closed to the public. When the at leastone application program is available, the tenant setup unit 58 sets up atenant, and performs the subsequent processes. In other words, when theat least one application program is available, the informationprocessing system 10 performs the same or substantially the sameprocesses as those illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B.

By contrast, when the at least one application programs is unavailable,the tenant setup unit 58 does not set up a tenant. In this case, thetenant setup unit 58 transmits, to the information processing apparatus30, a package unavailability notification screen indicating that thepackage is unavailable (step S82). In response to acquisition of thepackage unavailability notification screen, the second display unit 70displays the acquired package unavailability notification screen (stepsS83, S84). The tenant setup unit 58 prohibits access to the usageregistration screen in subsequent processing. After the step S84 isended, this sequence of the operation by the information processingsystem 10 ends.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the tenantsetup system 44 according to the third variation. In the thirdvariation, the tenant setup system 44 performs processes illustrated inFIG. 12 in response to acquiring the tenant setup request from theinformation processing apparatus 30.

First, the tenant setup unit 58 checks an availability status of theapplication program (step S85). Next, the tenant setup unit 58determines whether the application program is available (step S86). Whenthe application program is available (S86: YES), the tenant setup unit58 generates the usage registration screen (step S87). When theapplication program is no available (S86: NO), the tenant setup unit 58generates the package unavailability notification screen (step S88).

After the step S87 or S88, the tenant setup unit 58 sends the generatedscreen back to the information processing apparatus 30 (step S89).

The information processing system 10 according to the third variation asdescribed is able to prevent useless generation of a tenant and uselessuser registration, in a case in which at least one application programincluded in the package becomes unavailable or becomes closed to thepublic during a period from when the package is downloaded until whenthe usage registration is performed. Accordingly, the informationprocessing system 10 according to the third variation is able to utilizeresources in an effective manner. Further, the information processingsystem 10 according to the third variation is also able to prevent anemail address from becoming unavailable on another occasion because theemail address has been registered.

[Variation 4]

FIGS. 13A and 13B are a sequence diagram illustrating steps in anoperation performed by the information processing system 10 according toa fourth variation. In the fourth variation, the information processingsystem 10 performs processes in a flow as illustrated in FIGS. 13A and13B.

The information processing system 10 according to the fourth variationperforms the same or substantially the same processes as those of thesteps S11 to S48 illustrated in FIGS. 3 and 5.

Subsequent to the step S48, after the application program is installedinto the tenant, the tenant setup unit 58 transmits, to the informationprocessing apparatus 30, an additional user registration screen thataccepts registration of an additional user (step S91). Next, the seconddisplay unit 70 displays the acquired additional user registrationscreen (steps S92, S93).

When the additional user registration screen is displayed, a userperforms an operation of entering additional user information about anadditional user on the additional user registration screen (step S94).Examples of the additional user information entered by the user includean ID of the additional user. Upon completion of the user's operation ofentering the additional user information, the second display unit 70transmits the entered additional user information to the tenant setupsystem 44 (step S95).

Subsequently, based on the entered additional user information, thetenant setup unit 58 registers the user ID and the like of theadditional user in the user management unit 62 (steps S96, S97). Asdescribed above, the tenant setup unit 58 registers the additional userbased on the information obtained from the information processingapparatus 30 via the additional user registration screen. This enablesthe tenant setup unit 58 to provide an information processing service tothe image forming apparatus 20 operated by the registered additionaluser.

Next, the tenant setup unit 58 provides an email transmission requestincluding the registration information about the additional user to theemail transmission unit 66 (step S98). In response to reception of theemail transmission request, the email transmission unit 66 transmits aregistration completion email to the registered email address (stepS99). After transmitting the registration completion email, the emailtransmission unit 66 notifies the tenant setup unit 58 that theregistration completion email is transmitted (step S100).

After the step S100, the tenant setup unit 58 performs the same orsubstantially the same processes to those of the step S52 and subsequentsteps in FIG. 5B. It should be noted that the information processingsystem 10 may repeat the processes from the steps S91 to S100 againafter the step S100 to register a plurality of additional users.

The information processing system 10 according to the fourth variationas described registers an additional user(s) together with the setup ofa tenant and the installation of an application program. Thus, theinformation processing system 10 according to the fourth variation isable to register a plurality of users in a tenant by a simple procedure.

[Variation 5]

FIGS. 14A and 14B are a sequence diagram illustrating steps in anoperation performed by the information processing system 10 according toa fifth variation. FIG. 15 is a diagram illustrating an example oftransition of screens displayed on the image forming apparatus 20according to the fifth variation.

In the fifth variation, the information processing system 10 performsprocesses in a flow as illustrated in FIGS. 14A and 14B. In the fifthvariation, the tenant setup system 44 has already set up a tenant inaccordance with a request from the image forming apparatus 20 and theinformation processing apparatus 30. However, an application program isnot installed into the tenant that has been set up.

First, a user operates the image forming apparatus 20 to request adownload of a package (S111). For example, the image forming apparatus20 displays a package/application list screen A as illustrated in FIG.15. For example, the user selects a package that the user wants toinstall into the tenant from the packages displayed on thepackage/application list screen A in FIG. 15.

Next, in response to the user's operation of requesting a download ofpackage, the application control unit 52 transmits a download request tothe application market 46 (step S112). For example, when the user'soperation of selecting a package is accepted on the package/applicationlist screen A in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus 20 displays apackage/application detail screen B on which an install button isdisplayed as illustrated in FIG. 15. When the install button displayedon the package/application detail screen B illustrated in FIG. 15 ispressed by the user, the application control unit 52 transmits thedownload request to the application market 46.

In response to acquiring the download request from the image formingapparatus 20, the application download unit 56 downloads a plurality ofapplication programs included in the requested package from one or moreother servers or the like. When downloading of the application programsis completed, the application download unit 56 transmits a downloadcompletion notification including the package identification informationto the image forming apparatus 20 (step S113). In response to obtainingthe download completion notification, the application control unit 52notifies the user that the download has been completed (step S114).

Subsequently, the user operates the image forming apparatus 20 torequest login (step S115). When downloading of the package is completed,the image forming apparatus 20 displays a home screen C including aninstallation shortcut icon as illustrated in FIG. 15. The installationshortcut icon accepts an instruction for installing the downloadedpackage. For example, the user selects the installation shortcut icon Con the home screen C illustrated in FIG. 15.

For example, when the installation shortcut icon is selected on the homescreen C illustrated in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus 20 displaysa login screen D as illustrated in FIG. 15. On the login screen Dillustrated in FIG. 15, the user enters a user ID and a password, andpresses a login button. When the login button is pressed on the loginscreen D illustrated in FIG. 15, the image forming apparatus 20 acceptsa login request.

Next, in response to the operation of requesting a login, theapplication control unit 52 transmits a user authentication request tothe tenant setup system 44 (step S116). In response to reception of theuser authentication request from the image forming apparatus 20, theuser management unit 62 performs user authentication. The usermanagement unit 62 transmits a result of the user authentication to theimage forming apparatus 20 (step S117). The application control unit 52notifies the user of the result of user authentication (step S118).

Subsequently, the user operates the image forming apparatus 20 torequest the usage of the package (step S119). In response to the user'soperation of requesting the usage of package, the application controlunit 52 checks whether the application programs included in the packageare installed (step S120). When the application programs included in thepackage are installed, the application control unit 52 notifies the userthat the application programs are installed. When the applicationprograms are installed, this sequence of the operation by theinformation processing system 10 ends.

When the application programs are not yet installed, the applicationcontrol unit 52 controls the first display unit 54 to display aregistration confirmation screen that enables a user to confirm whetherto install the package (steps S121, S122, and S123). L of FIG. 15 is anexample of the registration confirmation screen displayed by the imageforming apparatus 20.

Subsequently, the user operates the image forming apparatus 20 torequest the registration of the package (step S124). In response to theuser's operation of requesting the registration of the package, thefirst display unit 54 transmits a package registration request includingthe package identification information to the tenant setup system 44(step S125). For example, when a registration button on the registrationconfirmation screen L in FIG. 15 is pressed, the image forming apparatus20 transmits the package registration request.

In response to acquiring the package registration request from the imageforming apparatus 20, the tenant management unit 60 checks whether atleast one application program included in the package identified by thepackage identification information is available (step S126). When the atleast one application program is unavailable, the tenant management unit60 sends the package unavailability notification screen back to theimage forming apparatus 20. Then, the operation ends. In other words,when the at least one application program is unavailable, this sequenceof the operation by the information processing system 10 ends.

When the at least one application program is available, subsequently,the tenant management unit 60 gives a package installation instructionincluding the tenant ID and the package identification information, tothe application installation unit 64 (step S127). In response toreception of the package installation instruction, the applicationinstallation unit 64 installs a plurality of application programsincluded in the package identified by the package identificationinformation into the tenant identified by the tenant ID. For example,the application installation unit 64 installs the plurality ofapplication programs included in the package into the tenant. Uponcompletion of the installation of the application programs, theapplication installation unit 64 notifies the tenant management unit 60that the installation is completed (step S128).

Subsequently, the tenant management unit 60 provides an emailtransmission request including the registration information to the emailtransmission unit 66 (step S129). In response to reception of the emailtransmission request, the email transmission unit 66 transmits aregistration completion email indicating that registration of thepackage is completed to the registered email address (step S130). Aftertransmitting the registration completion email, the email transmissionunit 66 notifies the tenant management unit 60 that the registrationcompletion email is transmitted (step S131).

Next, the tenant management unit 60 transmits the registrationcompletion screen to the image forming apparatus 20 (step S132).Subsequently, the first display unit 54 displays the registrationcompletion screen obtained from the tenant setup system 44 (steps S133,S134).

Next, the user operates the information processing apparatus 30 to checkthe registration completion email (step S135). In response to the user'soperation of checking the registration completion email, the emailreceiving unit 68 receives the registration completion email andcontrols the second display unit 70 to display a content of theregistration completion email (step S136).

Upon completion of the process of the step S136, the operation by theinformation processing system 10 for installing a plurality ofapplication programs into a tenant that is set up ends.

The information processing system 10 according to the fifth variation asdescribed enables an operation from the image forming apparatus 20 tocontrol the tenant setup system 44 to acquire a package even after thesetup of a tenant. Thus, according to the information processing system10 according to the fifth variation, a plurality of application programsare installed in a simple manner by operating the image formingapparatus 20.

[Variation 6]

FIGS. 16A and 16B are a sequence diagram illustrating steps in anoperation performed by the information processing system 10 according toa sixth variation. FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating an example oftransition of screens displayed on the image forming apparatus 20according to the sixth variation. FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating anexample of transition of screens displayed on the information processingapparatus 30 according to the sixth variation.

In the sixth variation, the information processing system 10 performsprocesses in a flow as illustrated in FIGS. 16A and 16B. In the sixthvariation, the tenant setup system 44 has already set up a tenant inaccordance with a request from the image forming apparatus 20 and theinformation processing apparatus 30. However, an application program isnot installed into the tenant that has been set up.

First, the information processing system 10 according to the sixthvariation performs the same or substantially the same processes as thoseof the steps S111 to S118 illustrated in FIG. 14A.

Subsequent to the step S118, a user operates the image forming apparatus20 to request the usage of the package (step S141). In response to theuser's operation of requesting the usage of package, the applicationcontrol unit 52 checks whether the application programs included in thepackage are installed (step S142). When the application programsincluded in the package are installed, the application control unit 52notifies the user that the application programs are installed. When theapplication programs are installed, this sequence of the operation bythe information processing system 10 ends.

When the application programs are not yet installed, the applicationcontrol unit 52 transmits a package usage request including the packageidentification information to the tenant setup system 44 (step S143). Inresponse to acquiring the package usage request, the tenant managementunit 60 transmits an email address confirmation screen to the imageforming apparatus 20 (step S144). Subsequently, the first display unit54 displays the obtained email address confirmation screen (steps S145,S146, and S147).

The user confirms an email address on the email address confirmationscreen. When the email address is confirmed, the first display unit 54displays a screen that enables the user to approve transmission of anemail. For example, the image forming apparatus 20 displays an emailtransmission approval screen M as illustrated in FIG. 17.

Subsequently, the user performs an operation of approving emailtransmission on the email transmission approval screen (step S148). Inresponse to accepting the operation of approving the email transmissionon the email transmission approval screen, the first display unit 54transmits the email transmission approval information including theregistered mail address to the tenant setup system 44 (step S149). Forexample, when a send button on the email transmission approval screen Min FIG. 17 is pressed, the image forming apparatus 20 transmits the mailtransmission approval information.

Subsequently, the tenant management unit 60 receives the emailtransmission approval information from the image forming apparatus 20.The tenant management unit 60 generates a package registration screen inaccordance with the email transmission approval information. Then, thetenant management unit 60 stores the package registration screen so asto be accessible from an apparatus on the network, in association withthe package identification information. Next, the tenant management unit60 provides an email transmission request to the email transmission unit66 (step S150). The email transmission request includes the registeredemail address and a network address for accessing the generated packageregistration screen. Subsequently, the email transmission unit 66transmits a package installation email including the network address foraccessing the package registration screen to the email address (stepS151).

Next, the email transmission unit 66 notifies the tenant management unit60 that transmission of the package installation email is completed(step S152). Subsequently, the tenant management unit 60 transmits anemail transmission completion screen to the image forming apparatus 20(step S153). The first display unit 54 displays the email transmissioncompletion screen (step S154). For example, the email transmissioncompletion screen N illustrated in FIG. 17 is displayed by the firstdisplay unit 54.

Next, the user operates the information processing apparatus 30 to checkthe package installation email (step S155). In response to the user'soperation of checking the package installation email, the emailreceiving unit 68 receives the package installation email, and controlsthe second display unit 70 to display the content of the packageinstallation email (step S156, S157, and S158). For example, the packageinstallation email O illustrated in FIG. 18 is displayed by theinformation processing apparatus 30. The package installation email Oillustrated in FIG. 18 includes, in a text section, a URL for accessingthe package registration screen.

Next, the user starts up the browser program executed by the informationprocessing apparatus 30 to access the network address included in thepackage installation email. Then, the user enters the packageidentification information on the screen displayed on the informationprocessing apparatus 30, and performs an operation for transmitting thepackage registration request to the tenant setup system 44 (step S159).

In response to the user's operation for transmitting the packageidentification information, the second display unit 70 transmits thepackage registration request including the entered packageidentification information to the tenant setup system 44 (step S160).For example, the information processing apparatus 30 displays aconfirmation screen P as illustrated in FIG. 18 that enables the user toconfirm the application programs to be used. When a registration buttonon the confirmation screen P in FIG. 18 is pressed, the informationprocessing apparatus 30 transmits the package registration request.

In response to acquiring the package registration request from theinformation processing apparatus 30, the tenant management unit 60checks whether at least one application program included in the packageidentified by the package identification information is available (stepS161). When the at least one application program is unavailable, thetenant management unit 60 sends a package unavailability notificationscreen back to the information processing apparatus 30. Then, theoperation ends. In other words, when the at least one applicationprogram is unavailable, this sequence of the operation by theinformation processing system 10 ends.

When the at least one application program is available, subsequently,the tenant management unit 60 gives a package installation instructionincluding the tenant ID and the package identification information, tothe application installation unit 64 (step S162). In response toreception of the package installation instruction, the applicationinstallation unit 64 installs a plurality of application programsincluded in the package identified by the package identificationinformation into the tenant identified by the tenant ID. For example,the application installation unit 64 installs the plurality ofapplication programs included in the package into the tenant. Uponcompletion of the installation of the application programs, theapplication installation unit 64 notifies the tenant management unit 60that the installation is completed (step S163).

Next, the tenant management unit 60 transmits a registration completionscreen to the information processing apparatus 30 (step S164).Subsequently, the second display unit 70 displays the registrationcompletion screen obtained from the tenant setup system 44 (steps S165,S166). For example, the registration completion screen Q illustrated inFIG. 18 is displayed by the information processing apparatus 30.

Further, the tenant management unit 60 may give an email transmissionrequest including the registration information to the email transmissionunit 66. In response to reception of the email transmission request, theemail transmission unit 66 transmits a registration completion email tothe registered email address. For example, a screen such as theregistration completion email R illustrated in FIG. 18 is transmitted bythe information processing apparatus 30.

Upon completion of the process of the step S166, the operation by theinformation processing system 10 for installing a plurality ofapplication programs into a tenant that is set up ends.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation performed by the imageforming apparatus 20 according to the sixth variation. In the sixthvariation, the image forming apparatus 20 may perform the operationillustrated in FIG. 19 in response to accepting an operation by the userfor requesting usage of the package.

First, the application control unit 52 checks an installation status ofapplication programs included in a package (step S171). Subsequently,the application control unit 52 determines whether the applicationprograms included in the package are installed (step S172). When theapplication programs are installed (S172: YES), the operation proceedsto the step S175.

When the application programs are not yet installed (S172: NO), theapplication control unit 52 generates the package installation email(step S173). Next, the application control unit 52 transmits thegenerated package installation email to the registered email address(step S174). Upon completion of the process of S174, the operation bythe application control unit 52 proceeds to the step S175.

In the step S175, the application control unit 52 controls the firstdisplay unit 54 to display a screen indicating that the packageinstallation email is transmitted.

The information processing system 10 according to the sixth variation asdescribed enables an operation from the information processing apparatus30 to control the tenant setup system 44 to obtain a package even afterthe setup of a tenant. Thus, according to the information processingsystem 10 according to the sixth variation, a plurality of applicationprograms are installed in a simple manner by operating the informationprocessing apparatus 30.

<Hardware Configuration>

FIG. 20 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardwareconfiguration of one server apparatus 100 constituted as at least a partof the cloud system 40.

The cloud system 40 includes one or more server apparatuses 100. Eachserver apparatus 100 has a hardware configuration as illustrated in FIG.20, for example. The server apparatus 100 includes a processor 101, amemory 102, a storage device 103, and a network interface 104.

The processor 101 includes one or more central processing units (CPUs)and the like. The memory 102 includes a random access memory (RAM), aread only memory (ROM), and the like. The storage device 103 includes ahard disc drive (HDD) and the like. The network interface 104 exchangesdata (information) with one or more other apparatuses via a network. Theserver apparatus 100 as described provides a service to the imageforming apparatus 20 by the processor 101 executing an operating system,an application program, and the like stored in the storage device 103 inadvance.

The program executed by the tenant setup system 44 according to theembodiments of the present disclosure is stored in a computer-readablestorage medium such as a compact disc-ROM (CD-ROM), flexible disc (FD),compact disc-recordable (CD-R), and digital versatile disc (DVD), in aninstallable or executable file format, for distribution. Further, theprogram executed by the tenant setup system 44 according to theembodiments of the present disclosure may be stored on a computerconnected to a network such as the Internet and downloaded via thenetwork. Furthermore, the program executed by the tenant setup system 44according to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be providedor distributed via a network such as the Internet. Further, a programaccording to the embodiments of the present disclosure may be providedas being preloaded in a ROM and the like.

A program for enabling the server apparatus 100 to function as thetenant setup system 44 includes a tenant setup module, a tenantmanagement module, a user management module, an application installationmodule, and an email transmission module. In the server apparatus 100,each of the modules is loaded on a main memory by the processor 101reading out the program from a storage medium (e.g., the storage device103) and executing the program. Thus, the processor 101 functions as thetenant setup unit 58, the tenant management unit 60, the user managementunit 62, the application installation unit 64, and the emailtransmission unit 66. It should be noted that some of or all of thetenant setup unit 58, the tenant management unit 60, the user managementunit 62, the application installation unit 64 and the email transmissionunit 66 may be implemented by hardware other than the processor.

FIG. 21 is a block diagram illustrating an example of a hardwareconfiguration of the image forming apparatus 20. The image formingapparatus 20 includes a processor 201, a memory 202, a storage device203, a network interface 204, a device interface 205, a control panel206, a scanner 207, and a printer 208.

The processor 201 includes one or more CPUs and the like. The memory 202includes a RAM, a ROM, and the like. The storage device 203 includes anHDD and the like. The network interface 204 exchanges data (information)with one or more other apparatuses via a network. The device interface205 is an interface with control panel 206. The control panel 206 is aninput/output device such as a touch panel.

The scanner 207 scans characters, images, and the like printed on asheet of paper or the like, and converts the scanned characters, images,and the like into data. The printer 208 prints characters, images, andthe like on a sheet of paper or the like in accordance with print data.It should be noted that the image forming apparatus 20 may include anyone of the scanner 207 and the printer 208.

The processor 201 controls the scanner 207 and the printer 208 accordingto an operation by a user to the control panel 206. The processor 201executes a browser program on the operating system. Then, the processor201 executes the browser program to provide a user interface foroperating the scanner 207 and the printer 208. In addition, theprocessor 201 communicates with the cloud system 40 on the browserprogram.

According to the embodiments and variations of the present disclosure,it is possible to install a plurality of application programs in asimple manner.

The above-described embodiments are illustrative and do not limit thepresent disclosure. Thus, numerous additional modifications andvariations are possible in light of the above teachings. For example,elements and/or features of different illustrative embodiments may becombined with each other and/or substituted for each other within thescope of the present disclosure.

Any one of the above-described operations may be performed in variousother ways, for example, in an order different from the one describedabove.

Each of the functions of the described embodiments may be implemented byone or more processing circuits or circuitry. Processing circuitryincludes a programmed processor, as a processor includes circuitry. Aprocessing circuit also includes devices such as an application specificintegrated circuit (ASIC), DSP (digital signal processor), FPGA (fieldprogrammable gate array) and conventional circuit components arranged toperform the recited functions.

What is claimed is:
 1. An information processing system comprising: aclient apparatus; and a service providing system communicable with theclient apparatus via a network, wherein the client apparatus includesfirst circuitry to transmit, to the service providing system, a packageacquisition request for obtaining package including at least oneapplication program; and the service providing system includes secondcircuitry to: receive, from the client apparatus, the packageacquisition request; obtain the package including the at least oneapplication program; receive, from the client apparatus, an emailaddress and a tenant setup request; generate a usage registration screenin accordance with the tenant setup request; transmit an email addressedto the received email address, the email including a network address foraccessing the usage registration screen; receive an access to the usageregistration screen from an information processing apparatus; set up atenant in response to acquisition of package identification informationfor identifying the package from the information processing apparatusvia the usage registration screen; and register the at least oneapplication program included in the package identified by the packageidentification information with the tenant.
 2. The informationprocessing system of claim 1, wherein the second circuitry furtherdetermines whether the received email address is registered, based on adetermination that the received email address is not registered, thesecond circuitry transmits the email addressed to the received emailaddress, the email including the network address, and based on adetermination that the received email address is registered, the secondcircuitry transmits a denial-of-registration email indicating thatregistration is denied to the received email address.
 3. The informationprocessing system of claim 1, wherein the second circuitry further: setsan expiration date to the usage registration screen; checks theexpiration date in response to the access to the usage registrationscreen by the information processing apparatus; transmits the usageregistration screen to the information processing apparatus based on acheck result indicating that the expiration date is not expired; andtransmits an expiration notification screen indicating that theexpiration date is expired to the information processing apparatus basedon a check result indicating that the expiration date is expired.
 4. Theinformation processing system of claim 1, wherein the second circuitryfurther: checks whether the at least one application program included inthe package identified by the package identification information isavailable, in response to acquisition of the package identificationinformation from the information processing apparatus; sets up thetenant based on a check result indicating that the at least oneapplication program is available; and transmits a package unavailabilitynotification screen indicating that the package is not available, basedon a check result indicating that the at least one application programis unavailable.
 5. The information processing system of claim 1, whereinthe second circuitry: registers a user based on information obtainedfrom the information processing apparatus via the usage registrationscreen; transmits, to the information processing apparatus, anadditional user registration screen for registering an additional userafter the at least one application program is registered with thetenant; and registers the additional user based on information obtainedfrom the information processing apparatus via the additional userregistration screen.
 6. The information processing system of claim 1,wherein the first circuitry transmits a package registration requestincluding the package identification information after the tenant is setup, and the second circuitry performs the registering the at least oneapplication program included in the package identified by the packageidentification information with the tenant.
 7. The informationprocessing system of claim 1, wherein the first circuitry transmits theemail address and a package usage request to the service providingsystem, in response to accepting a request made by a user for using thepackage after the tenant is set up, and the second circuitry: generatesa package registration screen in response to the package usage request;transmits a package registration email including a network address foraccessing the package registration screen to the email address; receivesan access to the package registration screen from the informationprocessing apparatus through the network; and performs the registeringat least one application program included in the package identified bythe package identification information with the tenant, in response toacquisition of the package identification information from theinformation processing apparatus via the package registration screen. 8.A service providing system comprising circuitry to: receive, from aclient apparatus, a package acquisition request for obtaining a packageincluding at least one application program; obtain the package includingthe at least one application program; receive, from the clientapparatus, an email address and a tenant setup request; generate a usageregistration screen in accordance with the tenant setup request;transmit a usage registration email addressed to the received emailaddress, the email including a network address for accessing the usageregistration screen to the email address; receive an access to the usageregistration screen from an information processing apparatus; set up atenant in response to acquisition of package identification informationfor identifying the package from the information processing apparatusvia the usage registration screen; and register the at least oneapplication program included in the package identified by the packageidentification information with the tenant.
 9. The service providingsystem of claim 8, wherein the circuitry further determines whether thereceived email address is registered, based on a determination that thereceived email address is not registered, the circuitry transmits theemail addressed to the received email address, the email including thenetwork address, and based on a determination that the received emailaddress is registered, the circuitry transmits a denial-of-registrationemail indicating that registration is denied to the received emailaddress.
 10. The service providing system of claim 8, wherein thecircuitry further: sets an expiration date to the usage registrationscreen; checks the expiration date in response to the access to theusage registration screen by the information processing apparatus; andtransmits the usage registration screen to the information processingapparatus based on a check result indicating that the expiration date isnot expired; and transmits an expiration notification screen indicatingthat the expiration date is expired to the information processingapparatus based on a check result indicating that the expiration date isexpired.
 11. The service providing system of claim 8, wherein thecircuitry further: checks whether the at least one application programincluded in the package identified by the package identificationinformation is available, in response to acquisition of the packageidentification information from the information processing apparatus;sets up the tenant based on the check result indicating that the atleast one application program is available; and transmits a packageunavailability notification screen indicating that the package is notavailable, based on the check result indicating that the at least oneapplication program is unavailable.
 12. The service providing system ofclaim 8, wherein the circuitry: registers a user based on informationobtained from the information processing apparatus via the usageregistration screen; transmits, to the information processing apparatus,an additional user registration screen for registering an additionaluser after the at least one application program is registered with thetenant; and registers the additional user based on information obtainedfrom the information processing apparatus via the additional userregistration screen.
 13. The service providing system of claim 8,wherein the circuitry further: receives, from the client apparatus, apackage registration request including the package identificationinformation after the tenant is set up; and performs the registering theat least one application program included with the package identified bythe package identification information into the tenant.
 14. The serviceproviding system of claim 8, wherein the circuitry further: receives theemail address and a package usage request from the client apparatus, inresponse to accepting a package usage request made by a user after thetenant has been set up; generates a package registration screen inresponse to the package usage request; transmits a package registrationemail including a network address for accessing the package registrationscreen to the email address; receives an access to the packageregistration screen from the information processing apparatus throughthe network; and performs the registering at least one applicationprogram included in the package identified by the package identificationinformation with the tenant, in response to acquisition of the packageidentification information from the information processing apparatus viathe package registration screen.
 15. An information processing methodperformed by a service providing system that is communicable with aclient apparatus via a network, the method comprising: receiving, from aclient apparatus, a package acquisition request for obtaining a packageincluding at least one application program; obtaining the packageincluding the at least one application program; receiving, from theclient apparatus, an email address and a tenant setup request;generating a usage registration screen in accordance with the tenantsetup request; transmitting a usage registration email addressed to thereceived email address, the email including a network address foraccessing the usage registration screen to the email address; receivingan access to the usage registration screen from an informationprocessing apparatus; setting up a tenant in response to acquisition ofpackage identification information for identifying the package from theinformation processing apparatus via the usage registration screen; andregister the at least one application program included in the packageidentified by the package identification information with the tenant.16. The information processing method of claim 15, further comprising:determining whether the received email address is registered;transmitting the email addressed to the received email address, theemail including the network address, based on a determination that thereceived email address is not registered; and transmitting adenial-of-registration email indicating that registration is denied tothe received email address, based on a determination that the receivedemail address is registered.
 17. The information processing method ofclaim 15, further comprising: setting an expiration date to the usageregistration screen; checking the expiration date in response to theaccess to the usage registration screen by the information processingapparatus; and transmitting the usage registration screen to theinformation processing apparatus based on a check result indicating thatthe expiration date is not expired; and transmitting an expirationnotification screen indicating that the expiration date is expired tothe information processing apparatus based on a check result indicatingthat the expiration date is expired.
 18. The information processingmethod of claim 15, further comprising: checking whether the at leastone application program included in the package identified by thepackage identification information is available, in response toacquisition of the package identification information from theinformation processing apparatus; setting up the tenant based on thecheck result indicating that the at least one application program isavailable; and transmitting a package unavailability notification screenindicating that the package is not available, based on the check resultindicating that the at least one application program is unavailable. 19.The information processing method of claim 15, further comprising:registering a user based on information obtained from the informationprocessing apparatus via the usage registration screen; transmitting, tothe information processing apparatus, an additional user registrationscreen for registering an additional user after the at least oneapplication program is registered with the tenant; and registering theadditional user based on information obtained from the informationprocessing apparatus via the additional user registration screen. 20.The information processing method of claim 15, further comprising:receiving, from the client apparatus, a package registration requestincluding the package identification information after the tenant is setup; and performing registering the at least one application programincluded in the package identified by the package identificationinformation with the tenant.